Ultimate Guide to Reptile & Amphibian Supplies in the UK

Why the right supplies make all the difference

If you keep a reptile or amphibian, you know they aren’t just low-maintenance ornaments — they’re cold-blooded roommates who rely on you for heat, humidity, nutrition, and habitat. Picking the right supplies affects everything from appetite to lifespan. Think of a proper enclosure like a cosy house in winter: get the heating, lighting, and substrate right, and your pet will thrive; miss one component and health problems can follow. This guide helps you find trusted UK stores and the gear you actually need, so you can skip the guesswork and get straight to good care.

Top UK stores and retailers for reptile and amphibian supplies

The UK market has a mix of nationwide pet chains, specialist online retailers, and small local shops. Each has strengths: chains often stock basics and offer hands-on advice, while specialists carry niche items like rare substrates, brand-specific hides, and live feeders. Here are some retailers you’ll want to check when shopping for reptile and amphibian gear.

Pets at Home

Pets at Home is a familiar name on British high streets and online. They carry popular enclosure brands, lighting, and basic heating options, so they’re great for starters who need reliable, easy-to-find items. You can often compare bulbs and thermostats across brands in one place.

Pets Corner

Pets Corner blends a high-street experience with knowledgeable staff at many branches. They stock a wide range of reptile accessories and often have specialist staff who can advise on enclosure setup and live food. If you like seeing items in person before buying, this is a good stop.

Zooplus UK

Zooplus is a big online player that offers competitive pricing and a broad catalogue, including food, substrates, and hides. Delivery deals and bundle offers make them useful for regular supplies like food and bedding.

Specialist retailers: Monster Pets, The Reptile Shop, Big Al’s Reptiles

Specialist retailers such as Monster Pets, The Reptile Shop, and Big Al’s Reptiles focus on reptiles and amphibians, so you’ll find niche products like humidity controllers, specialist UVB lamps, and live feeders of all sizes. These shops are especially helpful when you need species-specific advice or custom setups.

Brand stockists: Exo Terra and ProRep

Some brands are practically a one-stop shop for habitat systems. Exo Terra and ProRep are widely stocked across UK retailers and offer coordinated ranges of tanks, backgrounds, lighting, and accessories, making it easy to assemble a matched kit for your species.

Essentials for any reptile enclosure

Before buying, get your basics sorted: enclosure, heating, lighting, substrate, and hides. These create the physical and microclimate foundation for healthy animals. Below, we break down what to look for in each area so you can shop smarter.

Enclosure: size and type

Enclosure choice depends on species and adult size. As a rough rule, many medium lizards do well in tanks around 36 to 48 inches long. Amphibians that need high humidity may do better in glass vivaria with tight-fitting lids. Consider footprint more than height for ground-dwelling species: a longer floor area means more room to explore.

Heating: mats, cables, and thermostats

Heating keeps metabolism humming. Heat mats and ceramic heat emitters are common solutions. Always pair a heater with a reliable thermostat — thermostats prevent hot spots and keep daytime basking temperatures steady. For many reptiles, basking areas may range from about 90°F to 110°F, while ambient enclosure temps can be in the 75°F to 85°F zone depending on species.

Lighting: UVB and day/night cycles

UVB is non-negotiable for many diurnal reptiles because it supports vitamin D3 production and calcium metabolism. Choose a bulb rated for reptiles and place it at the correct distance to deliver adequate UVB — too close and it’s unsafe, too far and it’s ineffective. Simulate day/night cycles with a timer for consistent rhythms.

Substrate: practical and safe choices

Substrates range from paper towels for quarantine to coconut fibre and reptile bark for naturalistic setups. For burrowing species, deep, loose substrate about 6 to 8 inches can allow natural digging behaviour. Avoid substrates that retain too much moisture for desert species or ones that form dust clouds for small amphibians.

Hides, décor, and climbing branches

Hides provide stress-free refuges; every enclosure should have at least two hide spots to allow temperature choice. Climbing species benefit from branches and vertical décor, while aquatic or semi-aquatic species require water-friendly structures and basking platforms. Balance aesthetics with function: your pet should be able to use the décor comfortably.

Amphibian-specific supplies and considerations

Amphibians have sensitive skin and higher humidity needs than most reptiles, so supplies focus on moisture, water quality, and non-toxic substrates. Use products designed for aquatic or semi-aquatic life to keep animals healthy.

Humidity control and misting

Many amphibians require humidity in the 70% to 90% range. Manual misting can work for small setups, but ultrasonic foggers or automated misting systems are lifesavers for larger or more humid species. Be sure to monitor humidity with a reliable hygrometer placed near the animal’s primary area.

Water quality and filtration

Clean, dechlorinated water is essential. For aquatic or paludarium setups, use filters sized for the tank’s gallon capacity and perform regular partial water changes. Consider water conditioners that remove chlorine and chloramine to protect delicate amphibian skin.

Live food and feeders: where to buy and what to feed

Feeding is a regular cost and convenience factor. Many UK retailers offer feeders: crickets, mealworms, waxworms, locusts, and specialty feeders like feeder fish for large snakes. Live food should be gut-loaded (fed nutritious food) before offering to predators, and dusted with calcium and vitamin supplements for most captive reptiles.

Common feeder types

Crickets and dubia roaches are staple feeders for many lizards; mealworms and waxworms are useful treats. For amphibians, appropriately sized insects and larvae are common. Buy from reputable suppliers that breed feeders domestically to avoid pests or contamination.

Budget vs premium: where to spend and where to save

It’s tempting to pinch pennies, but some items are worth investing in. Spend on a reliable thermostat, quality UVB lighting, and a solid enclosure. You can save on décor and non-essential items by DIY-ing backgrounds or using natural branches collected with proper cleaning. Think of it like building a house: you want a strong foundation and roof, but you can budget on paint and ornaments.

Buying online vs in-store: pros and cons

Buying online gives access to a wider range and specialist brands; many UK online shops stock rarer items and feeders that local stores don’t. In-store shopping lets you inspect items and get immediate advice from staff. If you’re new to the hobby, a mix of both often works best: buy core equipment in person if possible, then top up consumables online for value.

How to compare retailers for the best deals

Comparison shopping is easy if you know what to check: product specs, measurements in inches, warranty on electrical items, and customer reviews. Look for retailers that clearly show distances for UVB bulbs and wattages for heat sources. If you need live feeders, confirm stock levels and delivery methods — some suppliers offer chilled or next-day dispatch to keep feeders healthy.

Seasonal care and maintenance: a simple schedule

Reptiles and amphibians respond to seasonal changes, and your supplies will too. In winter, you might need stronger daytime heat or supplemental basking bulbs to maintain temperatures at home; in summer, ventilation and shade become priorities. Regular maintenance tasks include cleaning water bowls weekly, spot-cleaning substrate daily, and replacing UVB bulbs every 6 to 12 months depending on the brand.

Safety, legal, and welfare considerations in the UK

Owning reptiles or amphibians in the UK comes with responsibilities. Some species are regulated or protected; check local wildlife laws and any licensing requirements before purchase. Consider biosecurity too: quarantine new animals for a few weeks and disinfect equipment between enclosures to prevent disease spread. Always source animals and live food from reputable sellers to protect both you and your pet.

Quick shopping checklist for your first purchase

When you’re ready to buy, use a checklist: the correct-size enclosure (in inches), a thermostat-compatible heat source, a UVB lamp appropriate to species, suitable substrate, at least two hides, water dish, and a feeding plan including supplements. Bringing a simple checklist to the shop or using it when ordering online keeps you from forgetting essentials and having to make costly follow-up purchases.

Final tips to save time and headaches

One top tip is to assemble the habitat and let it run for several days before bringing your new animal home. This helps you tweak temperatures and humidity without stressing the animal. Another is to build relationships with specialist retailers — they often offer setup help, seasonal reminders, and quick advice if you hit a snag. With the right suppliers and a little planning, hobby keeping becomes rewarding rather than stressful.

Conclusion

Whether you’re setting up your first vivarium or upgrading a long-standing enclosure, UK retailers offer everything from basic essentials to specialist kit for reptiles and amphibians. Focus your spending on safety-critical items like thermostats and UVB lighting, buy feeders from reputable suppliers, and use specialist shops when you need bespoke advice. With the right gear and a bit of planning, you’ll build a healthy, happy home for your scaly or slippery pals.